How to Protect Your Business Against Cyber Security Threats

Cyber security attacks are a huge problem for businesses.

Here’s why cyber security breaches are so rampant today:

The hackers’ toolkit has become more sophisticated and complex than ever before. This is due to several factors such as increased access to technology. Another factor is the availability of sophisticated tools and resources online. Platforms like cloud computing have also made it easier for hackers to carry out cyber-attacks.



This leads us to your next question. As a business what exactly can you do to protect yourself from cyber threats? Here are some recommendations from cyber security experts.

Encrypt and backup data

Data encryption is a most important tool to protect yourself from internet threats. Encryption converts sensitive information into a form that cannot be understood by hackers. Your information is encrypted with an algorithm that only authorized users can decode.  If hackers somehow break into your system, they won't be able to access any of your sensitive information.

Due to the increased frequency and sophistication of cyber security attacks, all companies need to have a backup plan in place in case they lose their data. It is recommended that all businesses back up their data to protect against cyber-attacks, computer issues, disaster, or theft. These include periodic daily, end-of-week, etc. backups onto a secure cloud. Backing up data costs very little and is critical in protecting your business. It is important to use multiple methods of back-up, and multiple copies of your data to ensure your data is safe. 

By backing up and encrypting data, you can take another step towards ensuring your computers security is safe and sound.

Use firewalls and endpoint protection software

Firewalls and endpoint protection software protect your business assets, customer information, and sensitive internal information from cyber-attacks. Firewalls are gatekeepers between your computer or network and the internet at large. They only allow authorized traffic through while blocking all others from entering. Endpoint protection software is software installed on your devices that provide complex protection, such as: antivirus, antimalware, antispyware, network attack protection, botnet protection, and intrusion detection. They protect your devices free from these attacks and should be monitored by your IT company so they can act if there has been an attack.

Use multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can also protect your business from cyber threats. MFA requires users to provide more than one proof of identity to access their accounts, adding more security. Two-factor authentication ensures that only authorized individuals can get access.

Here are some ways MFA can be implemented:

• Something you know: This includes usernames, passwords and PINs that are used only once per session and changed regularly by employees.

• Something you have: This includes a token-based MFA system that requires users to input a numeric code displayed on an app on their phone or tablet before being granted access to an account.

Train your employees

Bad actors can bypass a lot of the security your company has put in place by contacting your employees directly and using them as an entrance onto your network.  Email is one of the primary vectors that are being used.  These are emails that can look completely legitimate but are actually sophisticated social engineering attacks.  Things like Phishing, where employees are sent an email and get tricked into giving their user credentials.  Or ransomware, where users with elevated permissions click on something that ends up running code that steals company files and encrypts all your company data so you can't access it anymore.  These clever attacks are why your employees need to be trained to understand what these are, how they can verify if something is legitimate, and how to report suspect items. 

Monitor computer equipment and systems

Technology is a very important part of running any business. Making sure you keep track of all your equipment and software is one of the most important things you can do to protect your data. It's simple: make sure no one has access to this information except active employees, and make sure you have a good IT partner to help you with the ever changing world of IT. 

It's important to keep outdated devices safe and secure. You can avoid a major security breach by removing all sensitive information. If you can't do that, you should destroy them. It's also vital to make sure that you have high quality security systems installed on each device in your office. This can protect your business from a wide range of threats, like hackers.

Conclusion from Seifert Technologies

The evolving landscape of cyber threats is why businesses are facing significant challenges with cyber threats. While it seems like a losing battle at times, it’s still possible to steer clear of devastating security breaches. You can take the proper steps to educate your employees and monitor and control access to your devices and data.

If you would like help with any of these items, feel free to contact us to learn more!